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The Channel House is located on what locals call, “The Strip”. It is the closest (why we have a big backyard) and, from our research, is the oldest house on the channel which is only 85 feet away. It is about midway between the Lake Michigan shore (2-3 blocks) and downtown (5 blocks) via the lighted channel boardwalk. If you don't want to walk or drive, the trolley stops right across the street and there are four bicycles in the garage. The home occupancy is 8 (Queen and Full upstairs and Single downstairs). It has a large L shaped living room with 1 queen and 1 single pull outs.
We also have a charming unattached cottage in the backyard that we call ''The Retro'. 'The Retro' offers a unique/private getaway for a variety of situations. This is a wonderful option for multiple family renters especially for teenagers that don't always want to be around mom and dad. The 'Retro' also comes in handy for seniors or other guests that like to get away from large groups from time to time (No stairs). It is nicely decorated and equipped with a bathroom and shower plus wifi, cable TV, DVD, and a nice breeze with a channel/boardwalk view.....The retro is a retreat and an optional social space and not intended for overnighting. The property rental permit specifically states that overnighting is not allowed in the cottage.
The back yard ascends on a heavily wooded dune with a 70 slope. You will witness the regular whitetail visitors throughout the day and early evening. The outdoor furnishings include a seven piece table and chair set, pergola, grill and a dozen other yard chairs. There are two platform sitting areas on the dune that provide great views. The home has a front loading washer and dryer. We have a large kitchen with 2 tables and 10 chairs. It comes with all the accoutrements and can seat 8-10 comfortably. We have a large sun room and attached sitting deck to watch the endless passers by and the water traffic. When a freighter goes through it is a spectacular experience. You’ll also witness, up close and personal, the United States Coast Guard several times a day performing their regular duties and training.

Overview

Details

house

1,800
sq. ft.

Sleeps

8

Bedrooms

3

Bathrooms

2

Half Baths

1

Minimum Stay

2 - 7 nights

About the property

3 Bedrooms, Bath and a half, Sleeps 8, plus a cottage with toilet and shower

The Channel House is located on what locals call, “The Strip”. It is the closest (why we have a big backyard) and, from our research, is the oldest house on the channel which is only 85 feet away. It is about midway between the Lake Michigan shore (2-3 blocks) and downtown (5 blocks) via the lighted channel boardwalk. If you don't want to walk or drive, the trolley stops right across the street and there are four bicycles in the garage. The home occupancy is 8 (Queen and Full upstairs and Single downstairs). It has a large L shaped living room with 1 queen and 1 single pull outs.

We also have a charming unattached cottage in the backyard that we call ''The Retro'. 'The Retro' offers a unique/private getaway for a variety of situations. This is a wonderful option for multiple family renters especially for teenagers that don't always want to be around mom and dad. The 'Retro' also comes in handy for seniors or other guests that like to get away from large groups from time to time (No stairs). It is nicely decorated and equipped with a bathroom and shower plus wifi, cable TV, DVD, and a nice breeze with a channel/boardwalk view.....The retro is a retreat and an optional social space and not intended for overnighting. The property rental permit specifically states that overnighting is not allowed in the cottage.

The back yard ascends on a heavily wooded dune with a 70 slope. You will witness the regular whitetail visitors throughout the day and early evening. The outdoor furnishings include a seven piece table and chair set, pergola, grill and a dozen other yard chairs. There are two platform sitting areas on the dune that provide great views. The home has a front loading washer and dryer. We have a large kitchen with 2 tables and 10 chairs. It comes with all the accoutrements and can seat 8-10 comfortably. We have a large sun room and attached sitting deck to watch the endless passers by and the water traffic. When a freighter goes through it is a spectacular experience. You’ll also witness, up close and personal, the United States Coast Guard several times a day performing their regular duties and training.

About Mike Whalen

Mike and Judy Whalen have been married for 18 yrs. Mike retired in May of 2011 after 34yrs with the Dept. of Corrections as a Health unit Manager. He grew up in Muskegon and has lived in Spring Lake for the last 34 years. We purchased the channel house in April of 2012 and we enjoy being there as much as we can. We have made every effort to provide our guests with many comforts and extra amenities to make the house and 'Retro' (cottage in back) a great place to stay. We want you to feel as welcome being here as we do and want you to return year after year. We hope to have this one in a million channel house remain in our family forever and to continue to keep it's doors open for other families to enjoy.

Mike Whalen purchased this house in 2012

Why Mike Whalen chose Western Michigan

We feel very fortunate to live in this area and seem to gravitate to Grand Haven. We had been looking for unique rental properties for a long time and got lucky when we found both the 'Channel House in April 2012 and The Jackson Place in December 2012- ( see property number 3495870 - another great place but not on the water). We have put our hearts and souls into making the Channel House inviting and comfortable. We have done all the work of refurbishing this longtime single family home ourselves and in the process we have come to love it. We spend a lot of time there and sincerely believe it is the perfect vacation home.

What makes this house unique

We have always admired this house and were very fortunate to have purchase it in April 2012. Although lovely, the house was just 'tired looking' both inside and out. We worked feverishly for hundreds of hours on every inch both inside and outside to create a very unique and welcoming home for all to enjoy. The transformation of our channel house was very gratifying but the process also connected us to the house in ways we would never have imagined.The history of the former property owners is fascinating and includes the first owner selling the city the land where the first light house stood. Our research also indicates that it is the first house on the channel. Mike shows a picture of the house to everyone from 1900 of the long aproned lady on the porch (now sun room) overlooking the then much closer river watching a steam ship pass. It will always be called the channel house now and hopefully remain in the family for generations.

Guestbook comments from the manager

The place was awesome-there was plenty of everything. Granddaughter used the bikes, grandson the books and games. Nice place to walk-convenient to downtown.It was very clean and we would recommend it to anyone and looking forward to using it again in the future. It is a beautiful area. Enjoyed the musical fountain at night. Thank you for a great weekend!

ATTENTION It is a very comfortable home for a maximum of 8 overnight guests - certainly invite family and friends to visit as we have lots of parking (six spaces MAXIMUM) and cottage with bathroom and shower in the back yard, but more than eight (8) for overnighting is not allowed. (Per owner's permit and Grand Haven Ordinance for this home)

Great place and location

The "Channel House" is right on Grand Haven's "main drag" between the State Park and downtown. We were able to walk anywhere to do the kinds of activities we enjoy. Clean little home, stocked with everything you need to have a wonderful vacation while still feeling like you are staying in your own home. We would definitely stay there again.

Perfect respite spot!

Perfect location! Lovely historic home!

Our family enjoyed our stay in this lovely, well maintained, historic home. A documented notebook is full of info about the home's history. The location provided a short walk to the beach or and an easy bike ride or walk to restaurants and shops. The trolley stop is across the street! We loved the screened porch! We relaxed watching the boats and ships on the channel across the street. The light house and Lake Michigan were visible from the front deck. Great views, comfortable beds and great hosts made it a perfect place to stay! Michael and Judy were friendly, helpful and responsive throughout the rental process.

Labor day weekend Girlfriends getaway 2017

We really enjoyed our stay. Whalens Channel house was the perfect location. Close to the beach and within walking distance of downtown with a view of the channel and lighthouse. The house was very comfortable and made you feel like you were right at home.

Great experience and location!

We all had a great time. Loved being so close to the water and downtown. Definitely recommend the property. Loved sitting outside and just watching the people and all the activity on the channel. Fun!!!

This property is really cute with a great location!

We loved staying here, walking to dinner, beach, and bars. Plenty of room for our group inside and Outdoor space is great for hanging out as well. Only improvement I would say is the retro cottage out back had a little bit of a smell - didn't make it super comfortable for hanging out or showering.

The annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is Grand Haven's biggest event of the year. The men and women of the United States Coast Guard are honored throughout a week of fantastic festival fun, celebration, and tradition. For a complete list of events, schedule, and more visit the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival's website www.coastguardfest.org You will never forget the fireworks as they are second to none.

The trolleys run all day and through late evening and the pick up stop is just across the street from the channel house. You will enjoy inexpensive transportation along with delightful historical narratives along the way. Tour the historic downtown shopping district, art galleries, charter fishing, or sailing excursions on Lake Michigan. There is a rental shop only 0.5 miles away with all types of water toys from kayaks to pontoon boats. The river front in downtown Grand Haven is renowned for the world's largest musical fountain and a 2.5 mile boardwalk that takes you from downtown to Lake Michigan and the sandy beach. Another huge local attraction is the Michigan's Adventure (Cedar Point owned) amusement park and only 18.5 miles away via hwy.

Michigan's Adventure is a 250 acre amusement park in Muskegon County, Michigan, about halfway between Muskegon, It is the largest amusement park in the state and has been owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company since 2001. As of 2012, Michigan's Adventure has 53 rides, more than any other park in the state. The park also includes an outdoor water park ...